AstraZeneca Covid vaccine shall be Thailand’s ‘principal’ shot: Well being minister
Renewed security issues across the AstraZeneca-Oxford shot led nations together with Germany and the Netherlands to halt using the vaccine for individuals below 60.
Earlier than these newest strikes, a number of nations — together with Thailand — suspended using the AstraZeneca vaccine following stories of blood clots in some individuals who acquired the shot. However many lifted their suspensions after the World Well being Group mentioned its assessment of obtainable knowledge confirmed the vaccine’s advantages outweighing any dangers.
Chaiwat Subprasom | SOPA Photographs | LightRocket through Getty Photographs
Anutin advised CNBC’s “Avenue Indicators Asia” that Thailand is awaiting additional deliveries of AstraZeneca’s vaccine, that are anticipated round June. Along with the AstraZeneca vaccine, Thailand additionally makes use of one developed by China’s Sinovac Biotech, mentioned the minister.
Since end-February, practically 250,000 individuals in Thailand have acquired Covid vaccines, mentioned Anutin.
Attracting international guests
In contrast with many nations globally, Thailand has reported comparatively few Covid circumstances and deaths. Official knowledge confirmed that as of Sunday, the nation has confirmed greater than 29,000 infections and 95 deaths.
However its tourism-dependent financial system has been badly hit, shrinking 6.1% in 2020 in contrast with a 12 months in the past as nations restricted journey to sluggish the unfold of Covid-19, based on knowledge from the Workplace of the Nationwide Financial and Social Growth Council.
Thailand is ramping up efforts to restart its tourism trade, together with rolling out vaccines in “vital” numbers in well-liked vacationer locations reminiscent of Phuket and Koh Samui, mentioned Anutin.
“We wish to guarantee that our persons are secure, that’s our first precedence. So as soon as our persons are secure, we consider that our friends, particularly vacationers or any enterprise individuals, would positively come to go to our nation,” mentioned the minister.
To draw guests, Thailand has shortened the quarantine interval for foreigners arriving into the nation beginning this month. The nation can also be aiming to waive quarantine necessities for vaccinated international guests to its largest vacation island Phuket.
